Across the Mediterranean sea, we land in Manhattan to meet the spirits expert and award-winning spirit owner, Philip Duff and his take on the current crisis.
Thanks Philip, first of all, tell us who you are and what you is your job.
Philip Duff with a bottle of Old Duff Genever
I’m Philip Duff, and basically my consulting firm Liquid Solutions help brands communicate better and more effectively, both with bartenders and with consumers. In practice this means creating and executing engagement programs like education, bartender contests and activations. A large part of our work is also advising on new product development and repositioning, and to put my money where my mouth is, I also own my own craft liquor brand, Old Duff Genever.
Coming to the COVID-19 crisis, how did you react humanly, psychologically at the spread of the virus and the consequent lockdown?
At first it was a little annoying, to be stuck inside. Then it was very, very worrying when we began to see the consequences, for our own work, for our clients and for all our friends around the world who own bars and brands and work in them. Personally me and my family got through it all OK – we were able to continue with a lot of work projects, my step-daughter had school remotely – but it was, and is, heartbreaking w hat is happening to the world of bars.
Could you describe how is the bar scene of your country changed after the COVID-19 crisis?
Philip Duff
The bar scene has been devastated. Especially in Manhattan, where I live, even the most famous bars were 99% barely breaking even, BEFORE COVID-19 happened. No sales for 2, 3, 4 or 5 months has pushed the majority into permanent closure and I’m afraid that as many as 85% of independently owned bars and restaurants are going to go the same way. NY has allowed outdoor dining, so many bars are now doing outside-only seated service, and some are doing quite OK – but that will all change when it gets colder outside. AS they say on a famous TV show, winter is coming….
In your opinion, how will it change in the future?
I think for several years to come, people will shy away from packed bars, whereas before people went to bars precisely BECAUSE they were packed! Cocktail bars that already had well-spaced tables and reservation systems will return, but it will be a while before we are all drinking at the actual bar itself again. In the big picture, people will leave cities, we are going to socialize in smaller, tighter-knit social groups and brands, especially smaller one, are going to spend some time and effort marketing directly to consumers instead of via bartenders.
Could you suggest five bars in your country?
Canon in Seattle, Amor y Amargo in New York, The Cottonmouth Club in Houston, Smugglers Cove in San Francisco and Tequilas in Philadelphia.
